Credit Card Policy

Business Office

Effective August 1, 2011, Mississippi College implemented a new policy regarding the acceptance of card payments for tuition, fees, housing, meal plans and other charges to a student’s account. These are the primary changes as a result of the new policy: (revised 4/17/2018)

VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards will be accepted.

A convenience fee of 2.85% ($3 minimum) will be charged on all credit card payments. The fee will be in addition to the payment amount.

The Business Office will no longer accept credit or debit card payments in person, over the phone, or by mail. Students and parents visiting the Business Office will instead be directed to nearby computer stations at which payments can be made via the Web.

Online payments using an electronic check (eCheck)or a pinless debit card will be available at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Mississippi College charging a convenience fee for the use of my credit card?

While credit and debit cards offer a convenient manner for students and parents to make payments on their student account, the cost to Mississippi College for providing this convenience has grown to over $125,000 annually. In an effort to control the cost of attendance for all students, it was decided that the cost of the convenience of using a credit or debit card should be covered directly by the parent or student receiving the benefit of the convenience.

TouchNet is the third party vendor selected by Mississippi College to provide secure online payments and with whom the University has contracted to process online credit card payments on student accounts. TouchNet has the expertise in online payment systems to meet all security and privacy issues and the banking and credit card industry compliance requirements.

Are other colleges and universities making similar changes?

Yes, many colleges and universities throughout the United States have already made changes to their credit card policies due to the increasing costs of merchant fees that are associated with the acceptance of credit and debit card payments. Some have decided to discontinue the acceptance of credit cards altogether. Mississippi College decided to continue to offer the convenience, but to pass along the cost directly to those who choose to use credit cards to pay student accounts.

How was the 2.85% (min. $3) rate determined?

The rate is determined by our vendor, TouchNet. The convenience fees are charged and collected by TouchNet. A separate charge will appear on your credit card statement for the convenience fee. The convenience fee will not be reflected on your student account at Mississippi College. The fee is charged and collected directly by Touchnet.

Is the convenience fee refundable?

No, the convenience fee is non?refundable, even if the payment to which it relates is cancelled, refunded, credited or charged back.

Why won’t the Business Office accept my credit card over the counter or by phone?

Credit card charges for student account payments will be processed by TouchNet, not Mississippi College. For this reason, MC can no longer accept credit or debit card payments in person, by mail, over the phone or via fax.

What if I only have a debit card and do not use paper checks?

All debit cards utilize a bank checking or savings account. The bank routing number and account number can be entered directly through eCheck at no cost. If you do not know your routing number and/or account number, contact your bank to obtain that information.

How can I pay my bill?

Online. You can pay online through the Touchnet system using eCheck (at no cost), or by credit or debit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). If you use a credit or debit card, you will be charged a 2.85% (min $3) convenience fee by TouchNet. You will NOT be charged a fee if you pay online by eCheck. In addition, students can designate parents, etc. as Authorized Payers who can pay online through TouchNet.

By Mail. Mississippi College will continue to accept checks for payment of student accounts via the mail. Mail your payment to the MC Business Office, Box 4051 Clinton, MS 39058. Please include your student ID number on your check. MC will not accept or process any credit or debit card information through the mail.

In Person. You can pay in person by cash or check at the Business Office located in the lobby of Nelson Hall. The cashiers cannot accept in person debit or credit card payments, however, computers are available in the Business Office for those needing to make an online payment.